Though sports fans may normally focus on six-packs, fans of the women's volleyball team (2-1 overall, 0-0 Ivy League) should be excited about a pack of seven — seven freshmen, that is. Of the seven freshman additions, three start, six have regularly played and one — Parker Henritze '09 — has already been named Ivy Rookie of the Week.
"Thankfully for us, it is a promising change which brings much youth and energy and an extra spark to our game," senior hitter Lauren Grumet said.
The women's volleyball team ended the season last year with a heartbreaking loss to Cornell, which left the Tigers with only a partial claim to the Ivy League title and without a bid to the NCAA tournament. The Big Red will still be a formidable opponent with its large roster and strong blockers, but this year Princeton is walking a little taller.
"Six out of seven of the freshmen are five-feet, 11-inches or taller, which has immediately improved our blocking game," assistant coach Sabrina King said. "Just their size and numbers have brought much-needed depth to our team."
One key to success this season will be combining the talents of the incoming freshmen with the veteran players who have already seen what it is like to vie for a championship. "Success this season will undoubtedly be a result of integrating their [the freshmen's] varied strengths with our present talent and experience," senior setter Jennifer Senske said.
The class of 2009 has been transitioning well to the college game with the help of veteran upperclassmen.
"They are amazing. We have been extremely blessed to have such wonderful upperclassmen," freshman hitter Jessica Hoffman said. "It's kinda like we have our own little family. We want to make our upperclassmen proud as we follow in their footsteps."
The other key this season will be to improve their mental game. The Tigers will have to learn to turn the larger size of teams like Cornell into a disadvantage. When facing strong Ivy League squads, the Tigers will need not only depth in their roster but also the consistency and grit to tackle physically tougher teams.
The savvy upperclassmen are expected to be the mental anchors of the team this season.
"I am very lucky to find myself in the company of two amazing seniors; we have experienced victory and have had our taste of league titles," senior setter Jenny Senske said. "Their [the seniors'] offensive power and leadership, along with Jenny McReynolds' champion defense, has provided us with a solid foundation for the season."
There are clear expectations for another league title and a trip to the NCAAs.
"Last year the Ivy League battle resembled that of a roller coaster," Grumet said, "but this year we are ready to start off strong from the beginning and maintain that level the whole way through."
So far this season, the Tigers have appeared ready to meet the challenge, bringing back a winning record from the tournament at Colgate and a large number of kills from both freshmen and upperclassmen.
Yale and Cornell, however, will be the most formidable Ivy League opponents in the race for a bid to the NCAAs. The challenge posed by these teams, though, only increase Princeton's desire to avenge last season's defeat.
"I think it is fair to speak for Jenny Senske and Brittany Wood to say that we are not leaving Princeton without an Ivy League championship under our belts," Grumet said.
The Tigers will compete in the Rider Tournament this weekend, hoping that the continued strong play of their freshmen will set them up for success.
Read More
Preview: No. 3 men’s lacrosse plays No. 5 Syracuse in NCAA quarterfinals
Hayk YengibaryanShould the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Should the Tigers beat the Orange, they will advance to the Final Four for the first time since 2022 as they look to win their first national championship since 2001.
Six for six: men’s and women’s track and field both complete triple crown
Luke StocklessMen’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Men’s and women’s track and field each won the Ivy League title this past weekend, capping off a dominant season in which both teams won the triple crown — a feat not seen in 14 years.
Nation’s No. 2 miler Mena Scatchard ’25 to transfer to Stanford for graduate year
Luke StocklessThe Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.
The Tigers’ most decorated distance runner ever has decided to use her final year of eligibility at Stanford after graduating from Princeton this May.